With the arrival of 2004, we are happy to announce that we're entering our fourth year online here at Beginner Bikes. It has been quite a journey too, filled with new challenges, friends, and rides. Beautiful rides, like that in Vermont to mark the first Beginner Bikes Riders Club rally, and those in Indiana, and Tennessee, and New York, and Pennsylvania. Community members from all over the country are meeting up in fact, and it can easily be said that Tom's dreams for Beginner Bikes are coming true.

We've grown as a business too, and with growth, suffered many of the pains common to smaller organizations. We've learned that operational costs, administrative roles, legal disclaimers and conduct guidelines, while unpleasant aspects of business ownership, are no less important and necessary. Having reached that conclusion, the Beginner Bikes Team and I have recently come to a number of different decisions, and hope to provide here an overview of the changes that will be evident to our community in the near future:

• Operating Budget
• Financial Needs
• Conduct Guidelines
• Legal Disclaimers
• Forum Restrictions
• Forum Member Groups
• Buyer's Guide Additions
• Motorcycle Raffle
• Advertising Campaign

We're also excited to share with all of you a number of milestones that we've recently reached including:

• 3 Years Online
• 3,000 Registered Forum Members
• 10,000,000 Hits
• Top 100,000 Traffic Ranking

If there is anything you can do to help offset these costs, please click here or on the link above to make a contribution using PayPal.

To be a participating member of the Beginner Bikes Magazine New Rider Forum or New Rider Chat, we ask that you follow these simple conduct guidelines:

1. Be courteous to other members and guests at all times.
2. Be respectful of the feelings of others.
3. Do not use untrue or misleading statements.
4. Do not make statements based on rumor.
5. Do not use defamatory statements or statements that attack the character of another.
6. Do not make abusive, hateful, harassing, or threatening statements.
7. Do not use statements that invade a person's privacy.
8. Do not use statements that violate any law.
9. Do not use statements that incite conflict among members or guests.
10. Do not use statements that contain offensive sexual overtones, particularly in regard to other members or guests.

Members and guests of this forum are entitled to a reasonable standard of behavior from other members. A level of respect and courtesy must be maintained at all times, no exceptions. You may not like or agree with a particular person but we all share a love of the sport of motorcycle riding and we all have a right to participate in the forum's activities free of harassment.

Please do not quote the post of a member or guest out of context, using a portion, or portions, of the post that gives it new meaning, one the initial poster never intended to convey. Also, should you feel it necessary to use a quote from a post on this forum somewhere else, wherever that may be, please obtain the explicit permission of the author and Beginner Bikes prior to using the quote. This eliminates the possibility of our members or guests being misrepresented without their knowledge.

Lastly, Instant Messages (IMs) and private email are just that, private, and should not be posted publicly to the forum unless explicit permission has been granted from the author.

Use of this forum is a privilege, not a right. This is a "Family Oriented Audience" forum visited by people of all ages, and materials posted here should be appropriate for all ages.

Those not able to adhere to the above, or make a positive contribution, can expect to receive a warning, a suspension or be banned from further participation. If you have received a warning, any subsequent violations of the conduct guidelines will result in an automatic suspension or permanent banishment from the community. In addition, questionable posts may be edited or deleted by forum moderators without explanation.

Please do enjoy yourself here, explore, and become a positive part of the wonderful community that we have created.

Wanting to best protect ourselves from the growing number of frivolous lawsuits in our country, we've decided to now include on each the Beginner Bikes site pages, the following disclaimer:

Recommendations made by Beginner Bikes, or it's staff are based on the skills of a novice rider, of average stature and do not necessarily represent the ideal for every rider. While Beginner Bikes encourages safe, smart riding, we do not assume responsibility for each individual. Please ride with care at your own risk.

We'll include on each of the Beginner Bikes New Rider Forum pages, this disclaimer:

Opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of Beginner Bikes, our editorial staff, team, or riding club officers. While Beginner Bikes encourages safe, smart riding, we do not assume responsibility for each individual. Please ride with care at your own risk. Published content, including text, images, and other media become the property of Beginner Bikes.

Gatherings & Events - Open to public
Post or read more about meeting up with other members in your area and across the country.

General Discussion - Open to public
Post or read more about Beginner Bike general discussion topics, including anything related to our sport, the industry or motorcycling in general. Guests are welcome here and encouraged to post their motorcycle questions and comments.

Our Community - New posts and replies restricted to forum members
Post or read more about what we ride and who we are, as well as issues specific to the the Beginner Bikes business, the latest site news, suggestions and financial reports. Our virtual camp fire, this is also the place where the occasional off-topic joke can be shared, advise not related to motorcycling can be sought.

Riding Stories - New posts and replies restricted to forum members
Post or read more about motorcycle riding. Stories can range from your trip around the block to that cross country trek.

Women's Discussion Board - Visible only to members that are women
Post or read more about issues and concerns specific to women riders. This is the spot ladies, where you alone can post or reply to topics so be sure and tell your friends to specify their gender in their profile.

Motorcycle Accessories - Open to public
Post or read more about the wide assortment of motorcycle accessories including; riding gear, luggage systems, windshields, custom parts, and lighting.

Motorcycle Choices - Open to public
Post or read more about beginner bike choices. Which bikes make the best choices? What qualifies a motorcycle as a good beginner bike? This is the place to find out or share your opinion.

Motorcycle Dealers - New posts and replies restricted to donors
Post or read more about motorcycle and accessory dealers in your state. This is the place to rant or rave about your local experiences and find reputable resources in your area. *OPINIONS EXPRESSED HERE ARE THOSE OF FORUM MEMBERS AND AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF BEGINNER BIKES.*

Motorcycle Technical & Maintenance - Open to public
Post or read more about general motorcycle care and maintenance. Can I store my bike outside? How often should I lube my chain? This is the place to find out or share your opinion.

Motorcycle Reviews - New posts restricted to donors
Post or read Beginner Bike real rider motorcycle reviews.

Motorcycle For Sale Or Wanted - New posts restricted to donors
Post or read more about motorcycles, accessories and apparel for sale or trade by BB Forum Donors in your area.

Motorcycle Tips & Safety - Open to public
Post or read more about motorcycle safety including; tips, courses like those offered by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, state licensing requirements, and insurance industry rates.

BBRC Announcements - Visible to BBRC members only
Read more about important BBRC news, the latest membership perks, and more.

BBRC Member Discussion - Visible to BBRC members only
Post or read more about anything related to the BBRC.

BBRC Regional Directors - Visible to BBRC Regional Directors and Officers only
Post or read more about anything related to the BBRC.

Team Member Discussion - Visible to BB Team members only
Post or read more about anything related to the BB Team, the Beginner Bikes site, our business operations in general or anything else that may be considered off topic.

Team Buyer's Guide - Visible to BB Team members only
Post or read more about Beginner Bikes Buyer's Guide content. This is the place to discuss new guide additions and express opinions about those already included.

Team Content Suggestions - Visible to BB Team members only
Post or read more about Beginner Bikes site content suggestions.

Along with the many other recent changes, we've also added a number of new member groups to the Beginner Bikes New Rider Forum.

BB Team - Forum member that is also a part of the Beginner Bikes Team. These are individuals that contribute editorials and articles for use in each months edition, help with Beginner Bikes administrative issues, act as moderators on the Beginner Bikes New Rider Forum, and generally help in any way they can.

BB Rally Rider - Forum member who has also donated to Beginner Bikes to help offset our operating expenses, and also attended the First Annual Beginner Bikes Rally in Memphis, TN.

BB Donor - Forum member who has also donated to Beginner Bikes to help offset our operating expenses. If you'd like to contribute, please click here for more information.

BB Platinum Member - Forum member with more than 500 posts.

BB Gold Member - Forum member with more than 250 posts.

BB Silver Member - Forum member with more than 100 posts.

BB Bronze Member - Forum member with more than 20 posts.

BB New Member - New forum member.

BBRC Regional Director - Forum member who is also a Beginner Bikes Riders Club Regional Director.

BBRC Regional Officer - Forum member who is also a Beginner Bikes Riders Club Regional Officer.

BBRC Officer - Forum member who is also a Beginner Bikes Riders Club Officer.

BBRC Member - Forum member who also belongs to the Beginner Bikes Riders Club.

Click here to learn more about the Beginner Bikes Riders Club. We're sure to be forming a local chapter in your area and hope you'll share in the excitement.

Understanding that many of you are anxiously awaiting the 30 new Buyer's Guide additions, I'm happy to announce that I've nearly finished, and should have them published by the end of this week.

• AlphaSports 250 V-Twin Classic
• AlphaSports 250 V-Twin Cruiser
• AlphaSports GT 250 Naked
• AlphaSports Kaliber LS
• Aprilia Scarabeo 125
• Honda Rebel 450
• Honda CBR600RR
• Honda Intruder 500
• Honda Magna 750
• Honda Shadow Spirit 1100
• Honda Pacific Coast 800
• Kawasaki EN450
• Kawasaki ZX-6R
• Moto-Guzzi Breva 750
• Moto-Guzzi California
• MZ Black Panther
• MZ Moskito 125
• MZ Skorpion Tour
• MZ Skorpion Traveller
• MZ Street Moto
• Ridley AutoGlide
• Ridley Speedster
• Suzuki Burgman 400SW
• Suzuki GS450
• Suzuki GSXR600
• Suzuki Katana 750
• Yamaha Vino 125
• Yamaha YZF-R6
• Yamaha YZF600R

I'm currently talking with three different dealers here in Grand Rapids, and hope to provide either a 2004 Harley-Davidson Sportster 883, 2004 Yamaha V-Star Custom, or a 2004 Honda Shadow ACE Deluxe. While I would also consider trying to get a Kawasaki Ninja 250 or 500 to better meet the wants of our sportbike riding members, I think that the majority here prefer cruisers.

We'll soon be providing both a mailing address and PayPal link for the 1st Annual Beginner Bikes Raffle, and will sell three hundred tickets to both forum members and guests for fifty dollars each. Winners will be randomly drawn on a date yet to be determined, by a Beginner Bikes Team member, and prizes will be awarded as follows:

1st Place: Motorcycle (model to be determined*)

2nd Place: Joe Rocket® Leather Jacket and Pants (style to be determined*)

3rd Place: $100.00 MotorcycleUSA Superstore Gift Certificate

* Official notice of this raffle will take place immediately following the incorporation of Beginner Bikes on a date in the very near future.
* The bike model and leather style will be put to a vote in the Our Community section prior to official notice of the raffle.
* Winners will be randomly drawn on a date yet to be determined, by a Beginner Bikes Team Members.
* The Joe Rocket leather and MotorcycleUSA Superstore gift certificate will be shipped by Motorcycle USA. It will be the responsibility of the winner to make delivery arrangements for the motorcycle.
* Beginner Bikes Team Members and their immediate family's are not eligible.
* Prizes will be awarded only if a minimum number of 200 tickets are sold. In the event that we're unable to sell that many, the complete cost of the purchase of each ticket will be refunded.

Beginner Bikes is currently offering a 10% commission on the sale of any banner, medium or small sized ad on the Beginner Bikes site.

You don't need to be a pro to profit!

If you know of someone who would benefit from ad placement on our site, we'll give you ten percent of the total sale. If, for example, your local motorcycle dealer commits to $1,000.00 worth of ad placement, Beginner Bikes will pay you $100.00.*

Click here for current advertising options and rates.
Click here for current traffic statistics.

* The number of Beginner Bikes site advertisers will be limited to 20, and each must meet with a majority approval of the Beginner Bikes Team.
* Commissions will be paid within 30 days of receipt of advertisers payment.
* Participants will not be considered employees of Beginner Bikes, but rather independent contractors, and as such, are responsible for their own income taxes.

3 Year Anniversary!

Having first officially published on January 1, 2001, the new year marks the end of three successful years online.

3,000 Registered Members!

If you haven't yet checked out the Beginner Bikes New Rider Forum, you're really missing out on a unique opportunity. With more than three thousand registered members and 125,000 topics, there is certain to be someone discussing something related to our sport that will also be of interest to you.

10 Million Hits!

As yet another milestone, Beginner Bikes is very proud to announce that in September 2003, our site traffic exceeded 10,000,000 hits.

Urchin Traffic Statistics - September 2003

Click here for more information about Beginner Bikes site traffic.

Motorcycle Daily - 41,879

American Motorcyclist Association - 64,446

Beginner Bikes - 122,971

Motorcycle Safety Foundation - 269,521

Southern Cruisers Riding Club - 567,656

Harley-Davidson's Rider's Edge - 1,047,416

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